Apricot tree &#34;Earlisunrise&#34;

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of apricot Prunus armeniaca, tree, which has the following unique combination of the features that are desirable in a new variety: 
     1. Early maturity of fruit. 
     2. Fruit with good flavor and eating quality. 
     3. Heavy and regular production. 
     4. Vigorous, semi-spreading growth. 
     5. Fruit with firm flesh, good handling and shipping quality.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The present new and distinct variety of apricot tree was developed by usin our experimental orchard located near Modesto, Calif., as a secondgeneration seedling from a cross between two selected seedlings, fieldidentification numbers 78EB575 and 123GD161. The maternal parent(78EB575), originated as a seedling selection from seedlings grown froman open pollinated Spring Giant Apricot (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 5,138)seeds. The paternal parent (123GD161), originated as a seedlingselection from seedlings grown from open pollinated Earlicot Apricot(U.S. Plant Pat. No. 7,198) seeds. A large number of these secondgeneration seedlings were planted and grown under careful observation byus. One such seedling, which is the present variety, having especiallydesirable fruit characteristics, was selected for asexual reproductionand commercialization.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE VARIETY

The present new variety of apricot tree was asexually propagated bybudding, as performed by us in our experimental orchard located nearModesto, Calif., shows that all said characteristics run true to formand are established and transmitted through succeeding asexualpropagations and come true to the original tree in all respects.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

The herein described new variety of apricot tree is of large size;vigorous, semi-spreading growth; and is a productive and regular bearerof early maturing, medium size, firm, yellow flesh, freestone fruit withgood handling and shipping quality. The fruit is further characterizedas having good flavor and eating quality, and being relatively uniformin ripening throughout the tree. In comparison to Earlicot Apricot toU.S. Plant Pat. No. 7,198), the new variety is approximately 10 to 11days earlier in maturity.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPH

The accompanying photographic illustration shows typical specimens ofthe foliage and fruit of the new variety of apricot tree. Theillustration depicts the upper and lower surface of the leaves, anexterior and sectional view of the fruit divided in the suture plane toshow flesh coloration, pit cavity and a stone remaining in place. Thephotographic illustration was taken shortly after the fruit was pickedat maturity (shipping ripe), and the colors are as nearly true asreasonably possible in a color representation of this type.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

The following is a botanical detailed description of the new variety ofapricot tree, its flowers, foliage and fruit, based on observations ofspecimens grown in our experimental orchard located near Modesto,Calif., with color terminology (except those in common terms) inaccordance with Reinhold Color Atlas by A. Kornerup and J. H. Wanscher.

Tree:

Size.--Large.

Vigor.--Vigorous.

Density.--Medium dense.

Growth.--Semi-spreading.

Productivity.--Productive.

Bearing.--Regular.

Trunk:

Size.--Large.

Texture.--Medium shaggy.

Color.--Brown to dark brown (6-E-8) to (6-F-8).

Branches:

Size.--Medium.

Texture.--Smooth to medium rough. Varies with age of growth.

Lenticels.--Numerous. Medium size.

Color.--Light brown to brown (6-D-7) to (6-E-7).

Leaves:

Size.--Large. Average length 47/8". Average width 31/4".

Form.--Ovate, pointed.

Texture.--Smooth.

Margin.--Serrate.

Petiole.--Medium length. Medium thickness.

Glands.--Number varies from 1 to 3. Average number 2. Small size.Globose. Located on base of leaf blade and upper portion of petiole.

Flower buds:

Size.--Medium.

Form.--Plump.

Length.--Medium.

Flowers:

Size.--Large.

Blooming period.--Feb. 20, 1994 to Feb. 26, 1994. Varies slightly withclimatic conditions.

Pollen.--Present.

Color.--Pink.

Pubesence.--Pubescent.

Fruit:

Maturity when described.--Firm ripe.

Date of first picking.--May 7, 1994.

Date of last picking.--May 12, 1994.

Size.--Medium, comparatively uniform. Average diameter axially 13/4" to2". Average diameter transversely in suture plane 15/8" to 17/8".Average diameter measured at right angles to suture plane 15/8" to17/8".

Form.--Nearly globose, slightly flattened in suture plane.

Suture.--Shallow, extends from base to apex.

Ventral surface.--Slightly lipped, varies from rounded to slightlylipped.

Cavity.--Rounded to slightly elongated in suture plane. Average depth3/8". Average breadth 1/2".

Base.--Retuse.

Apex.--Slightly retuse, varies from slightly retuse to rounded.

Flesh:

Color.--Yellow to sunflower yellow (4-A-5) to (4-A-7).

Ripens.--Evenly.

Texture.--Firm.

Juice.--Moderate.

Fibers.--Few, small, tender.

Flavor.--Good.

Eating quality.--Good.

Amygdalin.--Undetected.

Aroma.--Slight.

Skin:

Color.--Yellow to golden yellow ground color (5-A-7) to (5-A-8). Reddishorange blush (7-B-8) to (7-C-8) on fruit exposed to sun.

Thickness.--Medium.

Texture.--Medium, tenacious to flesh.

Tendency to crack.--None.

Down.--Scant, very short.

Stone:

Type.--Freestone.

Size.--Medium to large. Average length -- 1" to 11/8". Average breadth-- 7/8" to 1". Average thickness -- 1/2" to 5/8.

Form.--Ovoid.

Base.--Usually rounded, varies from rounded to straight.

Apex. --Nearly rounded, varies form rounded to slight pistil point.

Sides.--Usually equal, varies from equal to unequal.

Surface.--Slightly pitted throughout.

Ridges.--Two small ridges, extending on each side of suture.

Tendency to split.--Very slight.

Color.--Varies from yellowish brown to brown (5-E-4) to (5-F-4).

Use: Dessert.

Market.--Local and long distance.

Keeping quality: Good.

Shipping Quality: Good.

The new variety of apricot tree, its flowers, foliage and fruit, mayvary in slight detail due to climate, soil conditions, and culturalpractices under which the variety may be grown; the present descriptionis that of the variety grown under the ecological conditions prevailingnear Modesto, Calif.

We claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of apricot tree, substantiallyas illustrated and described, characterized by its large size, vigorousand semi-spreading growth, and is a productive and regular bearer ofmedium size, yellow flesh, freestone fruit with good flavor and eatingquality; the fruit is further characterized by having firm flesh withgood handling and shipping quality and, in comparison to EarlicotApricot (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 7,198), is approximately 10 to 11 daysearlier in maturity.